05/12/2026
As a parent, coach, and Doctor of Education, and a Navy vet who’s seen how structure can both protect and harm, I’m clear: mental health must sit at the center of how we raise athletes. This piece lays out trauma‑informed steps for families and programs, practical NIL guidance that preserves identity, and concrete signs to watch for when a young person is struggling. Read evidence‑grounded, no‑fluff strategies to protect the human being behind the athlete and build resilience which lasts beyond the scoreboard. Let’s make athlete wellness non‑negotiable. Join the conversation and share what’s working in your program: https://wix.to/zzkKI31
In the high-stakes world of sports, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. As someone who has walked the line between parent, coach, student, and veteran, I understand the complex challenges student-athletes face. Mental health in sports is not just a sidebar topic; it is central to the well-b...